Gradually Slowing In Music – Musical Term Explained

Gradually slowing in music, also known as a ritardando, is a technique used to gradually decrease the tempo of a piece of music. This can be achieved through a variety of methods, such as slowing the speed at which the conductor or musician is moving their hands, using a device to adjust the speed of a recording, or by adding pauses or sustained notes in the music. Gradual slowing can add tension or emotion to a piece of music, and is often used to prepare the listener for a change in the music or to signal the end of a piece.

One example of gradual slowing in music is the use of a ritardando in classical music. In a symphony, for instance, the conductor may use a ritardando to gradually slow the tempo of the music as the piece comes to a close, creating a sense of resolution and finality. In popular music, gradual slowing is often used in ballads to add emotional impact and build suspense. For example, the song “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen features a gradual slowing of the tempo as the song reaches its climactic ending.

There are many songs that use the technique of ritardando, or gradual slowing. Here are a few examples:

• “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
• “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin
• “November Rain” by Guns N’ Roses
• “Imagine” by John Lennon
• “Hotel California” by The Eagles
• “Yesterday” by The Beatles
• “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen
• “The Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel
• “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel
• “The Funeral” by Band of Horses

These are just a few examples of songs that use ritardando. Many other songs in a variety of musical styles and genres also use this technique.

Overall, the use of gradual slowing in music is a versatile and effective technique for adding tension, emotion, and drama to a piece of music.